NewKerala.com

Vistadome Coach Debuts on Kashmir Train, Service Extended to Vaishno Devi

Northern Railway has extended its Budgam special train service to terminate at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, improving connectivity for residents and pilgrims. For the first time in Kashmir, a Vistadome coach with panoramic windows and a glass roof has been introduced on this route to offer passengers breathtaking views. Railway officials state the initiative is designed to promote tourism and enhance the overall travel experience in the region. The combined upgrades are expected to strengthen regional connectivity and provide a unique, immersive rail journey through Kashmir's landscapes.

Key Points: Vistadome Coach Launched on Budgam-Katra Train in Kashmir

  • Special train extended to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra
  • First Vistadome coach introduced in Kashmir
  • Glass-roof coach offers panoramic scenic views
  • Aims to boost tourism and improve regional connectivity
  • Enhances passenger comfort and travel experience
2 min read

J-K: Vistadome coach introduced on Budgam-Katra special train; Service extended to Vaishno Devi Shrine

Northern Railway extends special train to Katra and introduces a panoramic Vistadome coach to boost tourism and connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir.

"A Vistadome coach has been attached to this train. It is open on all sides so that people feel like they are in the midst of nature. - Parveen Panday"

Katra, February 11

Passenger amenities in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway continue to expand with the extension of special train No. 04688/04687 from Budgam to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, replacing its earlier termination at Banihal.

The move aims to enhance connectivity for residents and improve travel options for tourists visiting Kashmir.

In a major boost to tourism, the Jammu Division has also introduced a Vistadome coach on the extended service. Designed with a glass roof and wide panoramic windows, the coach offers passengers uninterrupted views of Kashmir's scenic landscape--mountains, rivers, valleys, and tunnels--making the rail journey a memorable experience.

Vistadome coaches, already popular on select tourist routes such as the Konkan Railway and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, are being introduced in Kashmir for the first time, marking a significant upgrade in passenger comfort and sightseeing amenities.

Explaining the initiative, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, Parveen Panday, said that adding a Vistadome coach would promote tourism and enhance the overall travel experience.

The extension of the special train up to Katra, coupled with the introduction of the Vistadome coach, is expected to strengthen tourism, improve regional connectivity, and offer a new perspective on rail travel in the Kashmir Valley.

Pandey told ANI, "Indian Railways has a mantra, of service, and we are working under that very principle... We are providing this service to the local people so that they can connect from one station to another. There are several stations here where road connectivity is not good... This will provide them with a good facility... This will also boost tourism... During snowfall, Kashmir used to get cut off, facilities couldn't reach there, people couldn't reach there, but this time not only did we transport passengers there but we also delivered a substantial amount of goods there... A Vistadome coach has been attached to this train. It is open on all sides so that people feel like they are in the midst of nature. People will have a very good experience in it..."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative for tourism and local connectivity. Hope they maintain the coach properly and keep it clean. The views must be breathtaking!
R
Rohit P
Finally! Better connectivity for locals is the real win here. The Vistadome is a nice bonus for visitors, but ensuring year-round reliable service for residents is key. Good step.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler to India, this is exciting. The Konkan railway Vistadome was amazing. Can't wait to experience the Kashmir Valley this way. Hope the tickets are reasonably priced.
V
Vikram M
A respectful suggestion: While the focus is on tourism, I hope the railway also addresses basic amenities at stations en route. Clean toilets and drinking water are just as important as panoramic views for a good travel experience.
K
Karthik V
This will be a big boost for the local economy. More tourists mean more business for hotels, guides, and shops. Smart move by the railways. 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50